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10 Effective Home Remedies to Treat Baby Ear Infection
Babies are very tender and also sensitive to their surroundings and thus, they are vulnerable to diseases and infections around, more easily. An ear infection is one such infection that is common in kids and is generally known to follow a cold or other ENT issues.
The primary cause of ear infection is a virus or bacteria. Ears make fluid all the time; this fluid builds up behind the eardrum and gets infected. It starts accumulating there making a life form of bacteria. Such bacteria lead to inflammation of the middle area of the ear.
There are many other causes of ear infections in babies, such as:
Horizontal angled placement of the Eustachian tube, as it is still in the development phase
Different kinds of food allergies
Gut infections
A wrongly aligned head or neck portion
10 Best Infant Ear Infection Natural Remedies
Below are some natural ear infection remedies for babies that you can do within the comfort of your home.
1. Garlic/Mullein Drops
Garlic is found to be very effective in killing bacteria than antibiotics, and when garlic is accompanied with mullein, it forms the best baby ear pain home remedy. Garlic is known for its immunity providing capabilities and mullein for its ability to ease the pain. Put 2-3 drops of garlic and mullein oil in your baby’s ear and repeat it 3 times a day for faster relief.
2. Fluids
Fluids also help in treating ear infections in babies. If your baby is still in the breastfeeding stage, consider feeding him more often than usual, as antibodies present in breast milk can prevent your baby from an ear infection.
3. Hot Compress
Hot compresses on the outer portion of the ear can help relieve ear pain due to an ear infection. A hot water bottle, a heating pack, or even a cloth dipped in hot water can be gently applied on to your infant’s ear to make the pain go away. Though, one should be careful regarding the temperature of the water or the pack before applying it, as babies have sensitive skin.
4. Hydrogen Peroxide
Mix warm water and peroxide equally. Put 2-3 drops in your ear and let it rest for 15 seconds. Later, tilt your kid’s head to help the liquid drain away. Repeat the procedure twice a day for best results.
5. Massage
Massage is another easy and convenient option to assure normal circulation and fluid drainage from a baby’s ears. Gently massage your baby’s external ear area or their neck in the downward direction and give inward pressure from the back of the area towards the front area of their cheek. Repeat massaging at least twice a day using essential oils such as rosemary, lavender, tea tree or even the eucalyptus oil.
6. Baking Soda Rinse
Rinsing your child’s ear with baking soda can treat a prevalent ear infection. Mix a few drops of baking soda in water and spray the liquid on the ear’s surface with the help of a syringe. After rinsing it with baking soda, put some drops of essential oil into the ear, such as garlic or lavender oil.
7. Echinacea and Goldenseal
Echinacea and goldenseal are two herbs that greatly help in preventing and fighting ear infections. 2ml of the mixture of these herbs is recommended for children, at least 3 times a day for treating ear infections and building immunity.
8. Chamomile Oil to Wash the Infected Ear
Chamomile oil is a good option for treating ear infection in babies. Put 2-3 drops of chamomile oil into the ear using a dropper and let it settle for about 5-10 minutes. After that tilt the child’s head and let the oil drain out.
9. Onions and Garlic
Onions have antibacterial properties and are also said to provide pain relief and even promotes circulation. Chop the onion and microwave it to make it hot and soft. Once the onion is hot, wrap it in a cloth and place it gently on the child’s ear for 10-15 minutes. Repeat the process, and if the pain doesn’t seem to go away, put 2-3 drops of warm garlic oil using a dropper into the ear for better relief.
10. Elevating the Head
Elevating the baby’s head while he is lying down or sleeping ensures proper sinus drainage. Place one or two pillows under the mattress, so your baby can sleep comfortably.
When to Consult a Doctor
Home remedies can help treat mild ear infections in babies, but it is essential that you keep a watch out for any severe symptoms that require medical treatment. Consult your doctor if your baby:
Has a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Experiences nausea or vomiting
Has pus discharge or bleeding in the ears
Is in extreme pain for a long time.
Has diarrhoea
Has difficulty hearing for more than 2 days
The listed home remedies for ear infection in babies will help him fight the infection and provide relief to a great extent. In case the problem continues, consider consulting a doctor for further medical assistance.
Also Read:
Causes & Symptoms of Ear Infection in Babies
How to Clean Baby Ears - Useful Home Remedies Read more
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Diet Plan for 13 Month 4 Week Old Toddler
Introduction
Your little toddler must be growing up super fast - and that obviously means he needs a healthy diet to supplement his growth! Keep in mind that your baby will have days where he’ll gobble up everything you put in front of him, just like there will be days he’ll refuse to take a single bite of the food too. Plenty of patience and experimentation is, therefore, the way to go! The following meal plan should give you ideas for what your baby would love this week.
Food Menu & Schedule for 13 Month 4 Week Old Toddler
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 1
Breakfast
Broccoli- sooji(semolina) upma + elaichi(cardamom)-kesar(saffron) milk
Mid-morning
Orange-peach-apple smoothie
Lunch
Multigrain roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Paneer(cottage cheese) cubes with honey or chaat masala(spice powder mix)
Dinner
Whole wheat pasta in homemade tomato puree
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 2
Breakfast
Banana- vanilla milkshake
Mid-morning
Crushed khakhara
Lunch
Methi(fenugreek leaves)-tinda(Indian squash) pulao
Evening
Papaya cubes with lemon juice + makhana(fox nut)
Dinner
Black dal with jeera(cumin) rice
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 3
Breakfast
Egg or paneer(cottage cheese) paratha with green chutney
Mid-morning
Palak(spinach) puri
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of cucumber
Evening
Banana milkshake
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese)- apple mash
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 4
Breakfast
Ragi(finger millet) dosa + chocolate milk
Mid-morning
Boiled egg yolk or homemade paneer(cottage cheese)
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + chole palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Fruit yoghurt
Dinner
Poha(flattened rice) pudding
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 5
Breakfast
Seviyan(semolina) kheer with raisins and almond flour
Mid-morning
Cucumber sticks
Lunch
Egg yolk or paneer(cottage cheese) pulao
Evening
Lauki(bottle gourd) halwa
Dinner
Paneer(cottage cheese)- apple mash
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 6
Breakfast
Rajgira(amaranth) puffs with milk and dates
Mid-morning
Multigrain chilla
Lunch
Roti + dal + a sabzi of choice + a few slices of carrot
Evening
Homemade muffins or roti + jaggery
Dinner
Coconut rice with sabzi
Diet for a 13 Month-Old – Week 4, Day 7
Breakfast
Whole wheat banana sheera with milk
Mid-morning
Vegetable rava idli
Lunch
Jowar(sorghum)-wheat roti + chole palak + a few cherry tomatoes
Evening
Besan(gram flour) ladoo
Dinner
Vegetable pulao with raita
Conclusion
While following a meal plan for your baby is a great way for you to prep meals in advance and skip the hassle of the planning process, remember, every baby is different. You can always modify certain meals at your discretion; after all, no one knows your baby better than you!! Read more
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Your Baby This Week : 4 Month Week 3 Old
Your baby is beginning to understand what you say. All you need to do is to talk to him. Music that soothes you or makes you happy can have the same effect on your baby. Although there is evidence that music has cognitive benefits for preschool children and older children, no one has studied this phenomenon in infants. Still, you might think that music plays an important role in your child’s life in other ways. When your baby is fussy or crying, try to sing a lullaby such as “Hush Little Baby” or “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” quietly in his ear. The repetitive sounds and your familiar voice may help him feel more secure and at ease. A study by Brigham Young University found that premature babies who were exposed to music gained more weight, had lower blood pressure, and had a stronger heartbeat than a group of children who were not.
Read more
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Listeria during Pregnancy
Listeria is a serious infection that can be dangerous to the foetus during pregnancy. Although it is a rare disease, the primary threat to the pregnant mother is its devastating effect on the baby which includes developmental problems, miscarriage or foetal death. Listeria can be prevented by good personal hygiene, and its onset can be curbed by early diagnosis and intervention.
What is Listeriosis
Listeriosis is an infection caused by the Listeria monocytogenes bacteria which is found in soil, water, dust, animal faeces, processed foods and raw meat. It is a rare infection which most commonly occurs by eating food that is contaminated by the bacteria. For the majority, listeriosis is a mild illness that can be cured with antibiotics and passes without any severe complications. However, in newborns, elderly and people with weak immune systems, Listeria can cause meningitis, blood infection and other complications that can be potentially life-threatening. Listeria infection in pregnancy can cause complications to the foetus which can be devastating and even lead to severe disease that can be fatal.
What Are the Odds of Getting Listeria while Pregnant
Although listeriosis is a rare infection, it is 20 times more common in pregnant women when compared to the general population. Of the total cases of infection in the population, an estimated 27% of the cases are pregnant women. Pregnancy increases the risk of listeriosis due to the changes in the mother’s immune system. When it is focusing more on defending the foetus, the mother becomes susceptible to infections.
Listeria Symptoms in Pregnancy
The symptoms of listeria may start between two days to even two months after exposure to the bacteria. Healthy adults and women who are not pregnant typically do not show any symptoms at all.
The symptoms of the infection are similar to flu with fever and muscle pain that is typical of any infection.
Symptoms in pregnant women include:
Fever
Chills
Muscle pain
Headaches
Nausea and vomiting
Confusion
Stiff neck
Who Is Most At the Risk of Getting Listeriosis
Women who have certain conditions have a slightly higher risk of the infection. Pregnant women have a significantly higher risk of listeriosis compared to the general population. Some of the conditions that make women susceptible to listeriosis are:
Diabetes
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
Use of steroids
Weakened immune system
Use of medicines that are immunosuppressive
Alcoholism
Cancer
How to Test for Listeria in Pregnancy
Some women show no symptoms, and some can develop it within 2 to 30 days, or longer. Since infections by eating food contaminated by listeria bacteria in pregnancy are the most common, the symptoms of that normally appear within 48 hours.
It can be roughly said that listeria is a kind of food poisoning that can cause complications in pregnancy. Hence if you’ve eaten some food recently that you suspect might be contaminated and if you are showing symptoms of the disease the doctor would order a listeria blood test during pregnancy. Cultures can take up to two days to grow. Due to the seriousness of the disease to the foetus, treatment might be started even before the results are out.
Treatment
Listeria can be treated using antibiotics. In most cases, the antibiotics work well and prevent the spread of the infection to the foetus. Newborn babies can also be treated with the same antibiotics.
Management
The mother will be given an intravenous antibiotic which treats the infection and may also help protect the baby. Since listeria and pregnancy is a combination known to cause birth defects, the baby will be monitored periodically using ultrasound scans to check for developmental problems.
Complications
Pregnant women who are infected with listeriosis have complications such as:
Miscarriage
Premature delivery
Stillbirth
Low birth weight in newborns
Foetal death
The infection can also affect pregnant mothers in some cases and cause:
Bacterial meningitis (which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain)
Septicemia (Blood poisoning)
What is the Outlook
The effects of listeriosis can be severe on babies and also has a fatality rate of 20 to 30 percent. Early diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics can help avoid infection reaching the foetus and avert complications. However, it should be noted that not all babies that are born to infected mothers have problems.
Prevention
Preventive measures can help avoid your chances of an infection. Here are some noteworthy ones:
Cook All Meat Thoroughly
Meat such as poultry, fish, pork and others must be cooked thoroughly.
Use a food thermometer to ensure the right temperature.
70 to 82 degree Celsius is the minimum temperature at which all meat must be cooked.
Cook meat until it is no longer pink in the middle and fish until it is opaque.
Avoid sampling the meat before it is done.
2. Thoroughly Reheat Leftover Food
Listeria bacteria contamination can occur even after the food has been cooked. Since they can survive sometimes and continue to grow even under refrigeration unlike many other bacteria, all previously cooked food must be reheated before storage.
Food should also be reheated to 75 degrees Celsius or steaming hot before consumption.
3. Avoid Deli Foods Unless They Are Heated Thoroughly
Delis, cold cuts, meat spreads, smoked or pickled fish; refrigerated pates are all listeria foods to avoid in pregnancy. Since they have the highest chances of spreading the disease, they should only be consumed if they are cooked well until steaming hot.
Avoid any meat-based preparation that has been stored or refrigerated improperly.
4. Do Not Consume Unpasteurized (Raw) Milk
Avoid drinking raw milk whether it is from a cow, goat or buffalo. Also, avoid food prepared using unpasteurized milk.
Avoid soft cheese such as camembert and brie. Also avoid Mexican cheese such as blanco, queso, panela or queso fresco unless the label states clearly that they are made from pasteurized milk.
Cultured dairy products such as yoghurt and buttermilk are generally considered safe. So is cottage cheese, cream cheese, hard cheese and processed cheese.
Ensure to read the label on all dairy products to make sure they are made out of pasteurized milk to be on the safe side.
5 Thoroughly Wash All Produce
All your fruits and vegetables must be washed thoroughly before consumption.
When in doubt peal all fruits to be safe
6. Avoid Raw Sprouts
Try not to consume raw sprouts until after your pregnancy.
7. Avoid Contamination of Food That’s Ready to Eat
Wash utensils, cutting boards, dishes, counters and your hands with soap water after handling potentially contaminated food.
Keep potentially contaminated foods such as unwashed produce, poultry, uncooked meat etc. away from clean cooked food that is ready to eat.
8. Cleanse Sponges and Dishcloths Routinely
Sponges and dishcloths are potential breeding ground for bacteria.
Clean them with hot water and soap regularly or in the microwave or the dishwasher
Wipe clean dishes, utensils and countertop dry with a clean dishtowel or paper towel regularly.
9. Don’t Keep Perishable Food Around Too Long
Consume ready-to-eat and perishable foods as soon as possible once you’ve opened their packaging.
Their expiry date holds good only when they remain unopened. Once opened, they should be consumed soon.
10. Set Your Refrigerator Temperature to Optimal Values
The ideal temperature for the refrigerator is between 1 to 4 degrees Celsius.
The freezer is to be kept at zero or below always and use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor regularly.
By maintaining good hygiene, it is possible to prevent listeriosis and pregnancy complications.
Also Read: 22 Infections That Can Affect Your Pregnancy Read more
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5 Tips to Keep your Garden Evergreen!
Raising children and managing a house all at once can be difficult; it's important to take a break, even if just for a few minutes. A well-kept garden can serve as a soothing retreat, especially when it's well-groomed and bloomed!
Seasonal Gardening Ideas You Can Try
1. Pick plans wisely
Don't be tempted by the prettiest flower in the nursery; it may not always be a good choice. When picking seeds or saplings, find out whether they're low-maintainance and will be able to survive the elements reasonably well. Native plants and flowers can be easier to take care of -although if you do want exotic plants, ask the nursery for details on how to nurture them.
2. Soil plays an important role
Different plants thrive in different types of soil. Select plants that'll floursh in the soil in your garden. Find out what type of soil you have by conducting a simple test - take a handful of earth and feel its consistency. Is it sticky and a little slick? It's probably clay soil. If it's gritty, it's very likely sandy soil. Peaty soil feels spongy while loamy soil feels very smooth. You can ask a professional for help if you have difficulty determining the type.
3. Give plants enough sunlight and water
Once you've planted your lot, you need to make sure you take good care of them. Besides adding fertiliser, water them when needed and let them get adequate sunlight. Different plants need different amounts of water and shade so do the needful by asking the nursery. An additional seasonal gardening tip- you can water your plants without wastage! Simply save the unsalted water in which you boil your vegetables and sprinkle it on your plants!
4. Control invasive plants
Some plants are invasive and if left unchecked, they can force existing plants to compete for resources. They can also take up a lot of space in the garden as they multiply very quickly. If you do happen to grow invasive plants, control the growth by cutting deep plastic pots from the bottom and burying them inside the ground so that they surround the plants on all four sides.
5. Keep it pest-free
In order to keep your garden healthy, you need to keep pests at bay. Slugs, snails and armyworms may seem tiny and harmless but they aren't to your garden. Do away with decaying leaves and weeds and check the garden regularly for them. If they do happen to set up home, you can use home remedies such as salt, vinegar and dishwashing soap to get rid of them. If this doesn't work, shop for a good herbicide or pesticide.
These seasonal gardening tips will help you keep your garden healthy and colourful. Let it be your perfect escape when things get chaotic. You can even have impromptu botany lessons with your kids amidst the blooms, accompanied by a scrumptious picnic! Read more
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Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. I am 9 week pregnant and I have runny nose very badly can I use cetirizine tablet?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. use nasal drops , that acts faster .
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
11 hours ago
Q. hi,
my LT 10x18mm and RT 18x20mm and ET 6.5 , what if I intercourse after 2 days, can I do intercourse in ovulation day can become a pregent .
on ovulation day if we intercourse can become a pregent..pls advice..
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. since the follicle size is 18 to 20 mm your ovulation may occur within 24 hours also so if you have intercourse with in that time it will be more effective to get conceived
your endometrial growth is not good enough for conception but still you can just try
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. Hlw dr its my 6th month pregnency can i intimate with my partner
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
10 hours ago
A. Hello dear! If your pregnancy is going on fine without any high risk factors then it’s okay. Still, would advise you to check with your doctor once before going further. Maintain a good personal hygiene routine and a healthy lifestyle
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
7 hours ago
Q. My breasts feel full and heavy, but there’s no milk when pumping and during feeding baby —what do I do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. But it is really very difficult to say anything without proper examination. It is advisable to get yourself evaluated by a doctor and follow doctors advise properly. You can also book online doctor’s appointment on FirstCry where the doctor can help you and guide you properly.
Thanks and take care
Dr Disha Patel has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
7 hours ago
Q. can I take medicine pcm n citrazene in pregnancy fir sore throats n fever
Dr Disha Patel
Ayurvedic Physician
2 hours ago
A. dear mom.
better to take tab pcm for time being n do take steam inhakation couple of tines a day, follpw good home renedies for cold, taje more rest .
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
1 hour ago
Q. hi everyone good morning,
sorghum can I give to my 10 month baby is it safe or not please revert I waiting for your reply
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. yes
whenever you give any new food to the child you have to take care of two things.
you should give in small quantity. if the child doesn't develop any digestion problem in next 24 hours to 48 hours and the child is able to digest that food then that food can be given again.
but if the child is not able to digestc or there is some problem with vomiting or loose motion or colic pain then kindly avoid that food.
we wait for 2 to 3 days to confirm whether the child is having any problem to that particular food or not
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